Putin Condemns U.S. and Israeli Airstrikes on Iran, Pledges Support Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly condemned the recent airstrikes on Iranian soil carried out by the United States and Israel, describing them as “absolutely unprovoked aggression.” He reaffirmed Russia’s support for the Iranian people as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.

Putin made these remarks during a high-level meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow on Monday, according to Germany’s DPA news agency. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also stated that Russia is prepared to serve as a mediator amid the escalating standoff between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.

The remarks come amid a rapid escalation of hostilities: over the weekend, the United States deployed bunker-buster bombs targeting Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. Concurrently, Israel expanded its operations by bombing a political prison in Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran launched six missiles on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday, leading Qatar to close its airspace in response.

Russia’s commitment to supporting Iran highlights the deepening strategic ties between the two countries, particularly in defense and military cooperation. Tehran is reported to have supplied Moscow with armed drones used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while both nations continue to coordinate on regional security issues and efforts to counter U.S. influence in the Middle East.

On the same day, Putin held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani to discuss the broader regional implications of the strikes, underscoring Russia’s intention to play a key diplomatic role amid the crisis.

With Iran under direct attack, Russia standing firmly with Tehran, and U.S. forces alongside allies on heightened alert in the Gulf, fears are growing over the potential for a wider war in the region. International observers caution that the escalating tensions could evolve into a complex multi-front conflict involving major global powers.